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Alabama star wide receiver Germie Bernard closed what is likely the final postgame news conference of his college football career by invoking his faith, giving “glory to my Lord and Savior.”
The Crimson Tide suffered a crushing and lopsided loss to No. 1 Indiana in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. Although there was little to be thankful for in the 38-3 rout, Bernard felt otherwise.
Germie Bernard (5) of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with fans after the first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma on December 19, 2025. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 34-24. (CFP/Getty Images)
“I just want to give glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing us to have this opportunity, for allowing this team to be here together in California and enjoy this moment,” he said as the player portion of the presser concluded.
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“Even though it didn’t turn out the way we wanted, there are still many reasons to be grateful.”
Sitting next to Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, Bernard continued to count his blessings.
“Guys like TK, he was injured and was able to play throughout the season. Guys were able to play in this game that wasn’t healthy throughout the year and we were able to come off the field healthy. So that’s a big reason to be grateful and I just want to give glory to Jesus Christ for this opportunity.”
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) speaks during a press conference after the 2025 Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game, against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, January 1, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Bernard sat at the press conference with black eyes with the words “Matthew 6:33,” referring to the Bible verse: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
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Despite the team’s overall lack of production on Thursday, Bernard led the offense with 60 receiving yards.
Bernard followed head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington to Alabama where he immediately took the field as a starter. In 2024, he led the team with 50 receptions for 794 yards and two touchdowns and followed that season with another stellar year, recording 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns.
“It was one of the best decisions I made,” Bernard said Thursday of following DeBoer to Alabama. “It’s been a long journey for me, and I’m just grateful that Coach DeBoer allowed me the opportunity to first come back to Washington and then follow him here to the University of Alabama. He’s had a big impact on my life.”
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) uses a stiff arm to break a tackle from Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden (4) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 6, 2025. (Gary Cosby Jr./Tuscaloosa News)
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Bernard is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will likely go in the early rounds.
